Programs

M2 & W2 Programs

The Man-To-Man (M-2) program is made up of "sponsors" of inmates; they befriend and visit with the inmates regularly, help the inmate establish or re-establish a positive image of self, help them bridge gaps with society and help inmates re-enter society upon their release from prison.

The M-2 program began at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in 1972 and expanded to Springfield in 1985 and Custer in 1992. In 1998, a Woman to Woman Program (W-2) was started at the Women's Prison in Pierre.

Prospective M-2 and W-2 volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a church affiliation and no prior prison record. They are also required to attend an orientation session and are subject to a background check, just like any potential visitor to a prison. Once a prospective M-2 or W-2 is approved for visitor access, a match is made with an inmate with similar interests.

The M-2 program was honored with the Governor's "Volunteer Program of the Year" award in 1993. It was also one of 42 citationists from more than 5-thousand nominations for the President's "Points of Light" Volunteer Action Award in 1994.

For further information on the M-2 or W-2 programs, contact: